Photos above: Some of the graduates who attended the in-person ceremony with administrators and faculty.
Congratulations to the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021! This year, we are proud to have hosted a hybrid graduation. The achievements of our MA, MA with ABA, and PsyD graduates were celebrated with a combination of in-person and virtual events.
Graduates from both the graduating 2020 and 2021 classes we invited to come to campus for individual celebrations on July 23rd and 24th. At their appointments, graduates received their commencement program and diploma from Dr. Fran Brown, MSP President, and Dr. Shannon Chávez-Korell, Dean of Academic Programs. PsyD graduates also received their “hoods,” which signify the doctoral level degree. During their onsite visits, graduates celebrated with their families, took pictures and toured the MSP campus.
On July 25th, the virtual commencement ceremony, featuring many of the elements of our traditional commencement ceremony, was streamed live from MSP’s campus. President Brown and Dr. Chávez-Korell delivered speeches to the graduating class. “… it’s my great honor to congratulate our graduates. I hope you recognize the amazing feat you’ve accomplished during one of the most challenging times in recent history; that you appreciate your resilience and ability to adapt and accomplish what may have seemed impossible,” said Dr. Brown.
Dr. Brown also thanked and recognized the valuable contributions of two of our long time Board of Trustee members and two faculty members. Board of Trustee Chair Dr. Tanya Martin’s term is ending with 11 years service and Trustee Paul Sturgis’ term with 9 years service. Dr. Marjie Scott is retiring from her career with MSP after 31 years, and Dr. Ann Smith is leaving MSP after 11 years of service.
This year we also welcomed three student speakers to our commencement ceremony: Juanita Houston (PsyD), Nosazena Obaseki (MA), and Kari Eidnes (MA/ABA). Given the virtual setting this year, these student speakers gave voice to their graduating classes. “The students were nominated by their respective program faculty and were incredibly honored when I contacted them. The students each spoke about what drove them to study their respective disciplines, their experience at MSP, and their message to their fellow graduates,” said Dr. Chávez-Korell.
Each graduating class has a story to tell, but the class of 2020’s and 2021’s tales are unique. They were met with adversity and uncertainty during these times, however, they remained steadfast and were able to achieve their goals. Congratulations to our graduates! We wish you the best in your future endeavors.
A recording of the July 25th commencement ceremony can be viewed here.
